the choral music of
Martin Sedek
MARTIN SEDEK Polish-American composer and conductor Martin Sedek (b. 1985) was born in Germany and raised in Poland and the United States. An award-winning voice in the world of choral and orchestral music, Sedek holds degrees in composition from Berklee College of Music (BM), Montclair State University (MM), and Rutgers University (PhD). Martin studied composition with Tarik O’Regan, Matthew Harris, Robert Aldridge, Steven Stucky, Chen Yi, and Steven Sametz; conducting with David Callahan and Julius Williams, with additional studies with William Weinert, Craig Hella Johnson, and Heather J. Buchanan, and has since earned residencies with The Baldwin Festival Chorus of NYC and Harmonium Choral Society, won major awards including the Yale Emerging Composers competition and from Society of Composers International and Ithaca College, among others. Martin holds conducting positions with Choral Art Society of New Jersey, The Masterwork Chorus, and is assistant conductor for the Montclair State University Chorale, where he has assisted in preparing symphonic choruses for major collaborations with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. Since 2011, Martin has been Visiting Assistant Professor of Music Theory at Montclair State University’s John J. Cali School of Music where he teaches undergraduate courses in music theory and aural skills. He earned his PhD in music composition from Rutgers University, where his dissertation research focused on text painting methodology in atonal choral music, with extensive scholarship on the choral music of Schoenberg & Stravinsky.
winner | Yale Emerging Composers Competition winner | NoteNova Choral Composition Contest winner | Kalistos Ensemble Composition Contest Finalist | Ithaca College Composition Competition
“Sedek’s music possesses a sophisticated, yet highly accessible and beautiful style” —NJ Star Ledger
Hear the works in this catalog on YouTube Perusal scores available: issuu.com/martinsedek
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Martin Sedek
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MIXED CHORUS a cappella
Ah! Sunflower 8-part divisi offers luscious harmonic adventures in this setting of Blake's famous poem. Winner of the prestigious Yale Composition Award. Medium-High Difficulty | 6’ OMP101042
A WHITE BLOSSOM This setting has become a popular choice in high school programs across the country, and a regular find in festivals, regions and all-state chorus. Medium Difficulty | 4’ OMP101003
LONGING Matthew Arnold’s sorrowful poem of love lost is a highly accessible, readily singable setting popular in region & all-state choruses. Low Difficulty | 6’ OMP101009
A LETTER TO LILLY An 1899 love letter from Claude Debussy to his lover Lilly forms the basis of this effective setting that includes some classic Debussy musical gestures that evoke his music. Medium-High Difficulty | 5’ OMP101050
Little Bird This light, fun setting has been a hit for chamber choirs across the country. Tight harmonies and lively rhythms make for an enjoyable, light-hearted concert piece. Finalist in the Ithaca College Choral Competition Medium Difficulty | 3’ OMP101028
more a cappella titles
poor soul Shakespeare's 42nd sonnet is given a robust choral treatment in this awardwinning setting. Low-Medium Difficulty | 5’
the tide rises This poem by Longfellow is a celebration of the sea and the circle of life. Medium Difficulty | 6’ OMP101034
OMP101011
i may, i might, i must dickinson love songs This choral cycle of three Dickinson poems (Two Butterflies; Ample Make This Bed; Wild Nights) tells a lively and passionate tale of two lovers. Moments of poignancy and fun exuberance will thrill singers and audience alike. Medium Difficulty | 9’ OMP101027
how can i keep from singing? This text, a staple of the choral repertoire, is given a surprising, modern setting that is sure to intrigue; a wholly unique setting of this classic. SSAATTBB Medium-High Difficulty | 6’ OMP101032
AUTUMN FIRES Commissioned by Harmonium Choral Society, this text by RL Stevenson celebrates the joys and celebrations of harvest in a tender setting with an exuberant ending. Medium Difficulty | 5’ OMP101043
ave maria One of Sedek’s earliest choral works to gain acclaim; satisfying modern harmonies bridge this timeless sacred text with modern musical language. Medium Difficulty | 5’ OMP101001
This charming and fun setting of determination and confidence has been a popular and entertaining choral title. Medium Difficulty | 4’ OMP101025
O Sacrum convivium Mysterious and captivating harmonies bring to life this traditional sacred text. Low Difficulty | 4’ OMP101010
the wild swans at coole A setting of WB Yeats’ lyric portrait of a placid lake. Plentiful divisi throughout allows larger chamber choirs to shine. Medium Difficulty | 6’ OMP101035
A PRAYER AMONG FRIENDS A musical celebration of unity among all people of the earth, and the care we take of this one world we all inhabit. Medium Difficulty | 3’ OMP101011
röslein This setting of Goethe’s dramatic 19th century poem is a wonderful choice for a strong chamber group looking to explore repertoire in other languages. Medium Difficulty | 3’ OMP101051
He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven OMP101023
MIXED CHORUS with accompaniment he wishes for the cloths of heaven An increasingly popular choice among all-state choruses; features a gorgeous solo for a talented lyric soprano. SATB with piano Low-Medium Difficulty | 5’ OMP101017
SHE WALKS IN BEAUTY Commissioned by Montclair State University for the 2011 ACDA National Convention; feature your accompanist with the impressionistic piano part that shares equal prominence in the texture. SATB with piano Medium Difficulty | 7’ OMP101022
CLOUDS This setting of two poems by Rumi features aleatory in both the choir and the piano, creating a sonic image of clouds slowly morphing across the sky. SATB with piano Medium-High Difficulty | 7’ OMP101026
O MAGNUM MYSTERIUM This ubiquitous sacred text has evolved out of its former exclusive use at Christmas time. Both the chorus and the piano accompaniment paint a beautiful picture of awe at any of life’s miracles. SATB with piano Medium Difficulty | 5’ OMP101023
more accompanied titles
As star from star The a cappella movement from Sedek's celestial oratorio Lux Noctis is excerpted into a standalone piece with a newly composed piano accompaniment. SATB with piano Low-Medium Difficulty | 5’
piosenka stara This Polish poem will challenge your choir’s language chops as it prepares this illustrious work about life’s simple joys. SATB with piano and cello Low-Medium Difficulty | 6’ OMP101038
OMP101048
MURMOR
For an advanced group looking to explore atonality, this Berg-inspired work mixes atonal rows with quasi-tonal passages for a unique, and haunting, piece for chorus that features a string quartet. SATB with piano & string quartet High Difficulty | 8’ OMP101029
THREE POLISH LULLABIES Sedek’s Polish heritage shines through his writing in these traditional Polish lullabies, set to music for chorus and piano in a heartfelt and humorous portrayal of the joys and frustrations of parenthood. SATB with piano Low-Medium Difficulty | 11’ OMP101039
A prayer for old age
Appropriate for high school chorus or singers of any age, this thoughtful poem by Cawein shares the hopes we all share for a fulfilling life. SATB with piano Low-Medium Difficulty | 5’ OMP101047
To Daffodils A three-song cycle on poems celebrating daffodils for your nature or garden-themed concert: poems by Blank, Blank, and Shakespeare SATB with piano Medium-High Difficulty | 10’ OMP101046-1 — To Daffodils OMP101046-2 — Fair Daffodil OMP101046-3 — When Daffodils begin to Peer
HOPE ON A unique ‘chorus-interactive’ work, Hope On allows for singers to select their own texts on the subjects of worry and hope. Especially suited for programs seeking to address current social issues, with poetic excerpts from Cawein & scripture passages. SATB with string orchestra Medium Difficulty | 14’ OMP104056
CHRISTMAS TITLES a cappella and with accompaniment
O MAGNUM MYSTERIUM This ubiquitous sacred text features the chorus and the piano accompaniment painting a beautiful picture of awe at the Christmas miracle. SATB with piano Medium Difficulty | 5’ OMP101023
two marian songs
A two-song cycle for chorus and obligato C-instrument: I Sing of a Maiden that Matchless Is & A Spotless Rose SATB with piano & C instrument Low-Medium Difficulty | 8’ OMP101031-1 — I Sing of a Maiden OMP101031-2 — A Spotless Rose
O STAR Lyrical, tender passages burst into exciting homophonic sections that juxtapose modern harmonies with classical carol-type gestures. SATB with piano Easy-Medium Difficulty | 5’ OMP101044
HODIE High energy and mixed-metered sections surround a serene polyphonic middle, building to a grand finale. SATB with piano Easy-Medium Difficulty | 5’ OMP101018
see amid the winter’s snow A classic Christmas setting gets modern flourishes and creative harmonies in this understated but evocative setting. SATB with piano Low-Medium Difficulty | 4’ OMP101052
star high, baby low A beautiful setting of this simple text, features male and female soloists; perfect for a quieter, reflective moment in your holiday concert. SATB a cappella Low-Medium Difficulty | 3’ OMP101033
ALLELUIA Aleatoric handbells create a warm holiday atmosphere for this piece that also features an easy oboe part. SATB with handbells and oboe Easy-Medium Difficulty | 5’ OMP101018
more holiday titles OMP104057
GIFTS OF THE SEASON AN ECUMENICAL CANTATA FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON Mixed Chorus with Piano or Chamber Ensemble | 25’ | Easy-Medium Difficulty Commissioned by Montclair State University, Gifts of the Season is an ecumenical, accessible work for choir, soloists, and various accompaniment options that features beautiful secular poetry and scripture references from Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. This work recognises Thanksgiving and New Years’ as common bookends to the holiday season shared by all, regardless of the specific holiday celebrated. Each movement represents one of the common gifts the season brings: Gratitude, Light, Love, Peace, Joy, and the New Year. This 25 minute tender and exuberant work makes a perfect centerpiece for any holiday concert. Appropriate for advanced high school choir and above. Accompaniment options: • Piano • Two pianos with percussion • Organ • Organ with chamber ensemble: fl, cl, ob, 2hn, timp, string quartet
WINNER OF THE NOTENOVA PUBLISHING CANTATA AWARD 2016
large works LUX NOCTIS A large-scale oratorio (ca. 55 minutes) scored for symphonic chorus and orchestra and featuring soprano and tenor soloists in a dramatic and exciting exploration of poetry on the subjects of astronomy and science, and our timeless relationship to the stars — especially as pertains to traditional faith and belief in a modern age in which science has answered so many of the questions that faced mankind in its development. A wide variety of musical styles within a NeoRomantic landscape such as chant, fugue, minimalism, and primitivism tie the musical language to the timespan of its texts, with plentiful opportunities for the chorus, soloists, and the orchestra to shine. The unique and poignant poetic arc of the work includes acclaimed poetry from Walt Whitman, Edgar Allen Poe, Sara Teasdale, and Shakespeare, among others. Appropriately challenging for the advanced community chorus and above. 55 minutes Scored for full orchestra, SATB chorus, and soprano and tenor soloists Orchestra: 2fl, 2ob, 2cl, 2bsn, 2hn, 3tb, timp, perc, harp, strings
OMP104054 Vocal scores available for purchase Performance license information at martinsedek.com
SPONTANEOUS EARTH 5 poems of spring by ee cummings Mixed Chorus with Chamber Orchestra | 30’ | Medium-High Difficulty Spontaneous Earth is a cantata setting EE Cummings’ 1920 set of five poems for Spring, which though almost a hundred years old, are incredibly timely as issues of climate change and our abuses of nature are increasingly in the spotlight of sociopolitical discourse. Cummings personifies Mother Nature as a physical woman, and Man’s treatment of her in Cummings’ poetry ranges from the sacred to the profane, with passages that are gentle and reverent and others uncomfortable and perverse. Written in a contemporary style that highlights Cummings’ unique and avant-garde poetry while remaining accessible to audiences, this work will challenge the advanced chorus and is available in two accompaniment options. High Difficulty; Appropriate for advanced choruses. “O sweet spontaneous earth how often have the doting fingers of prurient philosophies pinched and poked thee Has the naughty thumb of science prodded thy beauty how often have religions taken thee upon their scraggy knees squeezing and buffeting thee that thou mightest conceive gods” “thou answerest them only with spring”
Accompaniment options: Chamber Orchestra: fl, ob, cl, bsn, 2hn, timp, perc, harp, strings — or — Two pianos, harp, and percussion
OMP104071
the four seasons Mixed Chorus with String Orchestra | 40’ | Easy-Medium Difficulty
Though many are familiar with Vivaldi's monumental and ubiquitous violin and ripieno concerto The Four Seasons, it is a much lesser-known fact that Vivaldi composed four of his own sonnets inspired by the seasons, which he used as the basis for his famous string composition. This innovative work features choral settings of these sonnets, though it is not merely a choral 'arrangement' of The Four Seasons. Though honoring the original orchestration, structures, and text-painting of the original masterpiece, this work is wholly original. Small fragments of Vivalid's highly popular and recognizable themes are tastefully interpolated or alluded to throughout, finally arriving at a grand recapitulation of Spring in the finale which merges the two works together, with the chorus singing over Vivaldi's original music. Appropriate for advanced high school choirs and above, this highly accessible work can be performed with only a small string orchestra (min. 4,4,3,2,1) and can be programmed alongside the original Four Seasons, Haydn's The Seasons, or any of the other season-themed works in the repertoire for a highly entertaining program.
OMP104058
a great light Chorus with Organ, Violin, Baritone solo | 30’ | Medium Difficulty
A GREAT LIGHT was commissioned by R. Douglas Sheldon in 2015 for the Baldwin Festival Chorus of NYC, inspired by the 2015 papal visit to the city of New York which included the powerful sermon delivered by Pope Francis at Madison Square Garden on September 25th, 2015. The libretto was created with excerpts and passages taken directly from the sermon, which was structured referencing the four pillars of Isaiah (Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace) as a way of connecting our everyday lives in the modern world to scripture. The clear theme of the sermon was goodness to our fellow man and recognizing that our increasingly multi-faceted modern lives have the ability to disconnect us from one another. The work can feature an optional treble choir, but is designed in such a way that in lieu of children's voices, either the soprano section or any capable soloist can sing the treble choir material for a standard SATB arrangement.
OMP104059
the choral music of
Martin Sedek
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